Item #: SCP-XXXXObject Class: SafeSpecial Containment Procedures:
Object is to be contained in a closed, opaque receptacle 10cm x 10cm x 12 cm when not removed from containment for authorized study. Investigators must avoid any skin contact with object and must use PVC-impregnated safety gloves for any necessary handling. Exposure to groups of more than three investigators and/or research subjects at any one time is not recommended. Object may be cleaned following authorized research projects using a mild soap solution, non-porous gloves and lint-free toweling. Wastewater produced in such cleaning should be disposed of via standard biohazard protocols.Description:
SCP-XXXX is a medium-sized lump of light-colored clastic limestone. It exhibits no physical characteristics inconsistent with its apparent composition. Uranium-Thorium dating places the deposition of the sediments in the stone at greater than 500,000 years before present. Other dating methods attempted including archaeomagnetic analysis have been inconclusive.

When an animal of genera homo or pan are brought into physical contact with SCP-XXXX, a progressive psychic infection is observed. The infection progresses by stages, first affecting the individual exposed to SCP-XXXX directly (hereafter, SCP-XXXX-1) and then rapidly spreading throughout the available population until the culmination event. The stages of a typical SCP-XXXX event are as follows:

Stage 1, Exposure to +2h: SCP-XXXX-1 begins to become increasingly agitated. The target of the agitation appears (in tests on h. sapiens) to be determined by latent fears or insecurities about other individuals in SCP-XXXX-1's psychological makeup.

Stage 2, +2h to +3h15m: SCP-XXXX-1 will fixate on another individual (hereafter, SCP-XXXX-2) as a cause of the agitation precipitated by the infection. SCP-XXXX-1 may begin insulting and attempting to provoke SCP-XXXX-2. In tests on non-sentient subjects aggression displays are common at this stage.

Stage 3, +3h30m to +3h45m: SCP-XXXX-1 will become increasingly mobile and agitated, and will circulate among the other subjects, frequently communicating with them and making physical contact with them in most cases. if SCP-XXXX-2 attempts to leave the location at this point SCP-XXXX-1 will attempt to prevent this or to follow. Individuals touched by SCP-XXXX-1 at this stage will begin to voice agreement (or engage in additional aggression displays) and aid SCP-XXXX-1 in maintaining contact with SCP-XXXX-2.

Stage 4, +3h45m to +4h: Individuals subject to secondary exposure will begin to seek objects of similar size and weight to SCP-XXXX. SCP-XXXX-1 has been observed tossing SCP-XXXX from hand to hand during this stage.

Stage 5, +4h to Event: SCP-XXXX-1 and other infected subjects will move to isolate and surround SCP-XXXX-2. Insults, imprecations and aggression displays toward SCP-XXXX-2 will increase in frequency, volume, and severity. At some point, SCP-XXXX-1 will strike SCP-XXXX-2 with SCP-XXXX. The other infected subjects will similarly attack SCP-XXXX-2 using whatever objects they have procured. This behavior will repeat and continue for some minutes, usually resulting in the death of SCP-XXXX-2 and frequently resulting in associated injuries to one or more of the subjects.